By the time you reach age 75, the equivalent of about 9,125 days of your life will have been spent sleeping or relaxing in your bed. Given that, it's incredibly important that you choose a mattress that fits your needs.
The first step is deciding whether you want a foam mattress or a spring mattress. All mattresses fit broadly into those categories, and there are pros and cons to each.
To help you find the perfect mattress for your needs, our team here at Queen City Audio Video has covered everything you need to know at a glance about mattresses.
Foam and spring mattresses overview
Here's the big picture when it comes to the differences between foam and spring mattresses, plus a tidbit about hybrids:
- Spring mattresses comprise the most traditional mattress type, with their interwoven system of steel spring coils. They're made in several gauges that make the mattress feel softer or firmer. For example, a 15-gauge coil mattress will feel softer than a 12-gauge, which tends to be on the firmer side.
- Foam mattresses are usually made of several types of foam, layered to give the mattress a unique firmness and feel. Foam mattresses are typically designed to "mold" themselves to the person's body shape, particularly the ones made of memory foam rather than foam latex.
- Hybrid mattresses are engineered to combine the best qualities of foam and spring. For example, many people enjoy the firmness of spring mattresses but prefer one that's a bit more pliable. Hybrids use a combination of foam and spring technology to create a mattress that's firm and fairly malleable.

Pros and cons
To find the right mattress for you, consider these factors:
Cost. Hybrids are generally more expensive than foam or spring, which can be found at almost any price point, but a good mattress is worth investing in.
Durability. Spring mattresses typically wear down faster than foam and tend to get less comfortable the longer you have them. Foam latex mattresses last an incredibly long time, beating out memory foam slightly, since it's more fragile than latex.
Comfort. There's a reason TEMPUR-PEDIC mattresses were all the rage when they showed up on the scene. Memory foam and hybrid will typically provide the most comfort, but foam latex and spring mattresses will often be firmer, yet less form-fitting.
Absorbency. Spring mattresses are far and away bouncier and less absorbent than foam, a fact that may be worth taking into consideration if you have to lie next to a restless sleeper or a child.
Temperature. Foam mattresses are generally much warmer than spring and may warrant the use of cooling pads or light blankets if your body temperature tends to run a little hot.
Sleeping positions. For back and stomach sleepers, a firmer mattress such as foam latex or spring mattress is ideal. For side sleepers, a memory foam or hybrid mattress that will mold to their shape is desirable.
Ultimately, the best way to tell which mattress is right for you is to test them in person. Testing at the store before you buy one practically eliminates the possibility of buyer's remorse and lets you get your hands on your new mattress faster.If you're searching for the perfect mattress, head on over to your closest Queen City Audio Video Appliances!
Check out our website to see what mattresses we sell and to learn more about how we can help you!